The Cow with Only One Horn

Once, there was a farmer whose cow gave birth to a calf with only one horn. This calf was very much doted upon by the farmer. Being grateful, the calf was determined to repay the care and love showered upon by its owner.


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Once, there was a farmer whose cow gave birth to a calf with only one horn. This calf was very much doted upon by the farmer. Being grateful, the calf was determined to repay the care and love showered upon by its owner.

One day, the calf with only a single horn heard someone announcing, “My strong cow can tow one hundred cars. If there is any cow in the village that is stronger than mine, I am willing to award it with one thousand taels.” With great self-confidence, the calf believed it could win the prize award for its owner and requested to participate in the competition.

All the villagers gathered to watch the event on the day of the competition. The owners of the other participating cows praised how strong their cows were and urged their cows to demonstrate their strength in towing one hundred cars. However, when it was the calf’s turn to show its strength, its owner uttered, “My calf was born with a disability; it has only one horn.” Instantaneously, the calf lost its fighting spirit and ultimately lost the competition.

Upon reaching home, the calf told its owner, “I truly have adequate strength, but your words made me feel inferior, so I lost my confidence. Can you please request for another round of competition? If you sing praises and encourage me, I will definitely win.”

Offering a stake of two thousand taels, the owner requested for his calf to compete again. When the competition commenced, the owner sang praises of the calf’s merits. Full of self-confidence, the calf ultimately won the competition.

Every one of us has boundless potential. We need to elevate our self-confidence and believe we can practise Buddhism and attain Buddhahood. “We should not be the obstacle to our advancement. We ought to gain self-confidence and make progress. With self-confidence, we will have the strength to forge ahead.”

 

(Translated by Andrea Lim)